News And Events
July 2010 - Blue Willow On The Go… -
Summer Festival
Catch Blue Willow’s “Kitchen On Wheels” at Edmonton’s summer festivals.
Come see what’s cooking!
Street Performers July 9th to July 18th:
Blue Willow brings Dine-In on the Street. Come and savor our fresh cooking dishes at the trailer:
Sassy Ginger Beef; Pineapple Chicken Sunset; Pork & Veggie Spring Rolls; Green Onion Cake and lots more items.
Taste Of Edmonton July 23rd to August 1st:
Taste our delicious Pineapple Chicken Sunset and the perfect frozen summer snack, Orange Tangerine Sherbet Sandwich.
April 2010 - Happy Mother's Day on Sunday, May 9th 2010. -
All around the world, there are mothers and children. They all have one thing in common: they are essential! To thank them, it is normal to devote each year at least one day!
Mother's Day is a cheerful celebration, where the family gathers around a good meal at home or in restaurants.
Remember when your mother brought you to Blue Willow Restaurant on Jasper Avenue or in our current location.
To make this Day memorable, come and treat your mum at Blue Willow Restaurant.
We are now accepting reservations for our 2 seatings on Sunday May 9th 2009, from 4:00-5:00pm and 7:00pm onwards.
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January 26, 2010 - Celebrate the New Year Chinese style at the Blue Willow Restaurant with traditional dishes -
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Golden Tiger Year!
Born in the year of the Tiger, this individual will have enormous, vigorous energy. Honourable, loyal, sensitive, generous to others, the tigers can innovate and initiate action quickly and provide leadership. Tigers tend to be reflective in their judgement and introverted. Although the golden tiger is associated with wealth, the year of 2010 will be a mixed prosperity with gains and losses. Tigers are most compatible with Dogs, Dragons, and Horses.
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For one week, Asia erupts into one large celebration where each day has its own significance. By far the most important day is New Year's Eve where the whole family gets together for supper. Some of the mandatory dishes are long noodles (symbolizing long life), whole chicken (representing a happy life) and pieces of pork, fish and other meats (signifying wealth and good fortune). For children the highlight of the day is when they receive "lucky money" in little red envelopes - the colour of good fortune of course.
The following days of the week are devoted to visiting friends and extended family. At the end of each day, individuals pay homage to their ancestors by placing food and fruits (in even numbers) beneath their pictures and by burning symbolic money and incense.
Another popular tradition is the lion dance. In the Chinese culture the lion is seen as a brave and noble creature that brings good fortune. The lion dances through buildings and streets to the beat of drums and gongs to scare off evil spirits and to bring prosperity in the New Year.
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"Gong Hay Fa Choy"
Happy and Prosperous New Year!
Come celebrate the New Year Chinese style at the Blue Willow Restaurant. For one week,February 9th to the 14th, we will introduce two traditional dishes in the dining room only:
Ja Che Gai “Crispy Skin Chicken”
Tender pieces of chicken lie beneath a crispy layer of non-battered skin. Shrimp flavoured chips add colour and flavour to this dish.
Gai Har Jiok Chow “Shrimp & Chicken in a Bird Nest”
Jumbo shrimps and chicken in rice wine with mushrooms and pea pods. Served in a crisp noodle nest.
Kum Yuk Moon Tong “Zingy Golden Chicken Balls”
Battered chicken balls, deliciously marinated with a hint of spice. Garnished with carrots on a bed of lettuce and served with zingy sweet & sour sauce.
We look forward to seeing you at the Blue Willow and hope that you enjoy all the tradition and euphoria that Chinese New Year has to offer.
November 2009 - Need an Idea for holiday? -
The restaurant offers 2 exclusive areas:
**Blue Room**
Whether it's a business meal or private dinner, the VIP Room provides a setting for up to 18 persons.
**Red Room**
Red Room, an ideal room set just off main dinning room, can host private dinners up to 36 guests.
The Red Room is a friendly place for your party or business suppers.
Now accepting holiday reservations.
Reservations: 780-428-0584
February 12, 2009 - Lucky Draw Winner! -
Congratulations to Shirley Schimpf and her husband, this year's winner of Blue Willow's Lucky Draw from our Chinese New Year celebrations from Jan 20-25, 2009. Shriley won a Deluxe Dinner for 2 and an ornate water colour from China valued at over $90!
Congrats Shirley!
February 5, 2009 - Unsung Hero! -
(Thomas Atkesone Manager - left and T.J. Foster - right)
Congratulations to #16 T.J. Foster, January's recipient of the Blue Willow Restaurant/Vic Mah Unsung Hero Trophy.
Each month Blue Willow Restaurant continues its support of the Edmonton Oil Kings, with the "Blue Willow Restaurant/Vic Mah Unsung Hero Trophy." Every month, one Edmonton Oil King is selected as the unsung hero - one who demonstrates hard work and professionalism on and off the ice. This player has his name engraved in the trophy and is also presented with a $50 Gift Certificate to the restaurant.
Congrats T.J! We look forward to seeing you at the restaurant!
For more information on the Edmonton Oil Kings please visit www.oilkings.ca
Jan 7, 2009 - Chinese New Year! -
Gung Hay Fat Choy” (happy and prosperous New Year) Chinese New Year is just around the corner and the Blue Willow is celebrating. From January 20-25th, the restaurant will be serving two exclusive dishes (in the dining room only) to tempt the taste buds:
Jow Do Guy “Crispy Skin Chicken”
Tender pieces of chicken lie beneath a crispy layer of non-battered skin. Shrimp flavoured chips add colour and flavour to this dish.
Fat Choy Fish “Prosperous Fish”
Pacific white fish lightly battered and served with your choice of –
• Citrus lemon sauce served with red and green peppers or
• Flavourful black bean sauce served with sliced tomatoes
It is sure to be a busy week so make your reservations early – even “reserve” some of the above dishes since last year we sold out!
We look forward to celebrating the New Year with you!
Jan 6, 2009 - Unsung Hero -
(Patrick Mah Manager - left and Craig McCallum - right)
Congratulations to #24 Craig McCallum, December's recipient of the Blue Willow Restaurant/Vic Mah Unsung Hero Trophy.
Each month Blue Willow Restaurant continues its support of the Edmonton Oil Kings, with the "Blue Willow Restaurant/Vic Mah Unsung Hero Trophy." Every month, one Edmonton Oil King is selected as the unsung hero - one who demonstrates hard work and professionalism on and off the ice. This player has his name engraved in the trophy and is also presented with a $50 Gift Certificate to the restaurant.
Congrats Craig! We look forward to seeing you and your wife at the restaurant!
For more information on the Edmonton Oil Kings please visit www.oilkings.ca
December 24, 2008 - The New Year is Around the corner -
Happy Holidays Everyone,
Just a reminder, Blue Willow is open for both New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. Our hours of operation are as follows:
New Year's Eve
Dining: 4-9:45pm (last table)
1st seating: 4-5pm and 2nd seating: 7pm and onwards
Delivery/Pick-up: 4-10:30pm (last order)
New Year's Day
Dining: 4-8:30pm (last table)
no seatings
Delivery/Pick-Up: 4-8:30pm (last order)
Reservations are strongly recommended since these are the busiest days of the year. As well, the Egg Foo Yong or Hot and Sour Soup dishes will not be available on these days because of their time consuming nature; however the rest of regular menu will be available. If you would like to avoid the rush, try making reservations around 5pm (or earlier) or after 7:30pm.
For those looking to place a pick-up or delivery order, avoid the phone's busy signal by placing your order a day or two in advance. State the time range when you would like the order and leave the rest to us. For larger orders, we may call you back the day of the order to confirm it.
We hope these tips helped!
Happy New Year from everyone at the Blue Willow,
Patrick Mah
Manager
December 16, 2008 - Unsung Hero for the month of December -
(Stan Mah General Manager - left and Rhett Rachinski - right)
Congratulations to #20 Rhett Rachinski, December's recipient of the Blue Willow Restaurant/Vic Mah Unsung Hero Trophy.
Each month Blue Willow Restaurant continues its support of the Edmonton Oil Kings, with the "Blue Willow Restaurant/Vic Mah Unsung Hero Trophy." Every month, one Edmonton Oil King is selected as the unsung hero - one who demonstrates hard work and professionalism on and off the ice. This player has his name engraved in the trophy and is also presented with a $50 Gift Certificate to the restaurant.
Way to go Rhett, we look forward to seeing you!
November 25, 2008 - City Fame for Food -
From November 25 - December 5, 2008 Blue Willow will be collecting non-parishable food and cash donations for the Edmonton Food bank.
It takes a lot to feed a family of four for one week; $115 or 55 lbs of food to be precise. If you are bringing non-perishables, the following items are the most needed items at the food bank and can be used as a guide:
• Processed Cheese Spread
• Tomatoes
• Jam
• Spaghetti Sauce
• Canned Fruit
• Beans
• Canned Vegetables
• Cereal
• Peanut Butter
• Canned Fish
• Baby Formula
Help the Food Bank achieve their mandate and put an end to Alberta'a 47.1% who represent the working poor - Canada's highest statistic.
For more information please visit: www.citytv.com/events/fameforfood/2008/edmonton/index.asp
November 25, 2008 - Blue Willow Restaurant/Vic Mah Unsung Hero Trophy -
As Blue Willow is continues our support of the Edmonton Oil Kings, we are proud to introduce the "Blue Willow Restaurant/Vic Mah Unsung Hero Trophy." Each month, one Edmonton Oil King is selected as the unsung hero - one who demonstrates hard work and professionalism on the team. He is also presented with a $50 Gift Certificate to our restaurant.
Blue Willow is please to congratulate the first two additions to the trophy:
For the month of September #25 Clayton Cuminsky and
For the month of October #13 Jesse Pearson.
(left to right): Stan Mah (General Manager), Vic Mah (former Oil Kings president and owner of Blue Willow), Clayton Cuminsky, Louie the Lion
(left to right): Patrick Mah (operations & marketing) and Jesse Pearson
Congrats guys!
November 2, 2008 - Holiday Reservations -
Blue Willow is now accepting reservations for the Holiday Season. Please have a look at our "Parties" page for more information on our two private rooms!
www.bluewillowrestaurant.com/parties.php
November 2, 2008 - Rememberance Day -
Please note that the restaurant will be closed for Tuesday November 11, 2008 Rememberance Day. We will resume regular business hours on Wednesday Novemmber 12, 2008. Thank you.
November 1, 2008 - Rocky Mountain -
Congratulations to Peter Schubert, winner of our Dinner for 8 draw at the Rocky Mountain Wine and Food Festival! The festival ran from October 23-25 at the Shaw Conference Centre and featured wines, spirits and gourmet foods from liquor agents and local restaurants. Blue Willow sampled our spring rolls, Sassy Shrimp and Coconut Ice Cream with Mango Puree.
Sept 24, 2008 - Blue Willow's 50th anniversary! -
Blue Willow is proud to announce that we will be celebrating our 50th Anniversary from Tuesday October 7 to Sunday the 12th, 2008. Who knew on November 6, 1958, that fifty years later our restaurant would still be serving fine Cantonese cuisine to first, second, third and even fourth generation customers. We feel very fortunate for the customers that we have and we would like to thank you for your patronage with an exclusive “Anniversary Menu” during our 6-day celebration.
In this menu, we have taken our most popular “Suggested Dinners” and have retro-priced them to 1979 (too bad we could not find our menu from 1958). As well, we will be showcasing recent additions to the Blue Willow menu as well as some new ones – Chinese and French wine. This menu is only available in the dining room so make reservations at 780-428-0584 (for a relaxing meal reserve on a weekday). Below is a sample of our exclusive “Anniversary Menu” -- a commemoration to Blue Willow’s past and future (sorry no substitutions):
Dinner for 1 $7.75 Compared to $14.25 in 2008
Dinner for 2 $17.00 (Additional Persons $8.50/ea) Compared to $30.00 in 2008
Dinner for 4 $38.00 (Additional Persons $9.50/ea) Compared to $60.00 in 2008
Dinner for 6 $57.00 (Additional Persons $9.50/ea) Compared to $90.00 in 2008
Cabernet Gernisch Chateau Changyu-Castle (China)
Very dry, crisp food friendly acidity/Taste: Dried & Brandied Cherries, Black Raspberry & Plum
Chardonnay Baron Philippe-Rothschild (France)
Very crisp/Taste: tropical fruits
Chardonnay Riesling Muscat Noble Dragon (China)
Crisp acidity/Taste: ripe pineapple to create uncomplicated freshness.
We look forward to seeing you!
September 22, 2008 - Eating like Kings! -
Yesterday, the Edmonton Oil Kings came by the restaurant for supper. Many tall classy guys with large appetites. Thanks for dropping in guys!
For entertaining hockey for the family, have a look at the official Oil Kings website: www.oilkings.ca
July 23, 2008 - Your Four Flings of Summer -
Indulge yourself in the new summer flavours!
Fruit Frazé: Crushed ice with fruit puree.
Mango Tango (mango puree)
Blue Willow Ice (pineapple puree)
$4.00 or add White rum or Vodka for $7.00
Asian Beer: From the sweet and smooth to the bold with attitude, there’s a personality for everyone. $6.00 or $5.00 after 8p.m. on Fri and Sat.
Zhu Jiang (China) – Very Smooth Premium Lager
Tsing Tao (China) – Smooth Lager
Sapporo (Japan) – Smooth Lager
Tiger (Singapore) – Very Smooth Lager
Singha (Thailand) – Malt with Attitude
Pan Fried Beef Chow Fun: Wide flat rice noodles are wok-fried with beef, bean sprouts and green onions. $11.75
Sassy Shrimp: Skewered prawns marinated in a spiced sauce with red peppers, green peppers and ham. $3.75/skewer
July 14, 2008 - Got the munchies? -
Taste some of what Edmonton's independant restaurants have to offer! From July 18 - 27 the Blue Willow will be among 34 restaurants serving up two of their specialty dishes. Come visit the Blue Willow tent on 99 St facing Chancery Hall and treat yourself to a Belgian Chocolate Pear or NEW for the summer, Sassy Shrimp (Seasoned Shrimp on a Skewer) tangy shrimp skwered with red peppers, green peppers and ham.
We look forward to seeing you!
June 26, 2008 - Come One, Come All! -
Acrobats, magicians, dance troops and everything in between - the Edmonton International Street Performers Festival has it all from July 4-13! Bring family and friends to take in all the fanfare while munching on some Green Onion Cakes or Ginger Beef! We look forward to seeing you!
June 3, 2008 - Beer - Food - ASIAN BEER!! -
Come see the Blue Willow at the second annual Edmonton Festival of Beer June 13 and 14 from 4pm-11pm. Sample from over 100 kinds of beer while you take in live music and other entertainment. Of course the Blue Willow will be dishing out some of our fan favourites like: Sassy Ginger, Pineapple Sunset, Spring Rolls and Green Onion Cake but we'll also be serving our "Beers from Asia": Zhujiang (China), Tsing Tao (China), Tiger (Singapore), Singha (Thailand) and Sapporo (Japan) - taste them all from the smooth to the bold with attitude!
Come join us at the Edmonton Festival of Beer at Fort Edmonton Park both inside and outside the air hanger!
We look forward to seeing you!
May 3, 2008 - Don't Forget Your Mother! -
Can't figure out what to get for Mother's Day? Treat her to supper at the Blue Willow. We are now accepting reservations for our 3 seatings on Sunday May 11, from 4:00-5:00pm; 6:00pm-7:00pm and 8:00pm onwards.
If you're not able to make it on the Sunday, Blue Willow gift certificates are available in $10 and $25 denominations. Ask for Stan or Patrick to get you started.
February 14, 2008 - Chinese New Year Winner -
Congratulations to Gary Wagner this year's winner of Blue Willow's Lucky Draw. Gary won a Deluxe Dinner for 2 and an ornate water colour from China valued at over $80!
Congrats Gary!
February 6, 2008 - Treasures of Alberta -
Now available in Limited Quantities, Treasures of Alberta (hardcover).
Explore what makes Alberta unique, from the Edmonton International Fringe Festival to Canada Olympic Park, from the bed and breakfast around the corner to the restaurant on the corner for over 50 years. The Treasures of Alberta is the insider’s guide to all the hidden gems that make Alberta stand out. $50
Ask for Stan or Patrick to get you started.
www.treasuresof.com
February 5, 2008 - New Wines! -
The Blue Willow is excited to introduce four new wines that pair well with our Cantonese Cuisine! Have a taste while they last!
Cabernet Sauvignon – Wolf Blass – Australia – 2005
This deep, rich, full-bodied wine features sweet aromas and flavours of plum and dark berries, and finishes with smooth cabernet tannins.
Food Pairings: Beef and Pork Dishes
Bottle: $32.00 Glass: $7.25
Merlot -Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi - California 2005
The soft and elegant wine features the lush flavours of cherries and blackberries, accented with spice and a cocoa nuance.
Food Pairings: Beef, Pork, Chicken and Vegetarian Dishes
Bottle: $27.00 Glass: $6.50
White Wines
Chardonnay – Santa Carolina – Chile - 2005
The lingering, buttery texture of this wine is complemented with the taste and aroma of tropical fruits, accented with hints of vanilla and toffee.
Food Pairings: Chicken, Seafood, and Vegetable Dishes
Bottle: $22.00 Glass: $6.00
Sauvignon Blanc – Oakridge – Canada
This wine feature an aroma of fresh citrus that leads into a crisp taste and a long flavourful finish.
Food Pairings: Seafood and Chicken Dishes
Bottle: $22.00 Glass: $6.00
January 22, 2008 - Happy Chinese New Year! -
Gung Hay Fat Choy! “Happy and Prosperous New Year!”
Come celebrate the New Year Chinese style at the Blue Willow Restaurant. For one week, February 5th to the 10th, we will introduce two traditional dishes in our dining room:
- Jow Do Guy “Crispy Skin Chicken”
Tender pieces of chicken lie beneath a crispy layer of non-battered skin. Shrimp flavoured chips add colour and flavour to this dish.
- Fat Choy Noodles “Prosperous Noodles”
Wide flat rice noodles are wok-fried with beef, bean sprouts and green onions. Carrots and red peppers add zest and colour to the white noodle.
Be sure to make your reservations soon since these dishes will disappear after February 10.
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The Big Festival
Imagine all of the North American holidays put into one week and you’ll have an idea of how big Chinese New Year is in Asia. Despite its title, Chinese New Year is celebrated differently across various regions in China, but there are many similar traditions.
According to the zodiac calendar, each year is associated with an animal with its own character traits. In sequential order, these animals are: the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig. 2008 is the Year of the Rat.
Not a dirty rat!
The Year of the Rat is the first year of the twelve zodiac animals so start something new – a new look or hobby!
Those born in the Year of the Rat possess a creative imagination making them good problem-solvers, leaders, entrepreneurs and financial advisors. But wealth and success come at a price – hard work and stress. In fact, some say that a rat born during the night will have a more difficult life than one born during the day. Rats are most compatible with the dragon, monkey and ox.
Famous People born in the Year of the Rat: Louis Armstrong, Marlon Brando, Gene Kelly, Sean Penn
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Celebrate the New Year Chinese Style!
For one week, Asia erupts into one large celebration where each day has its own significance. By far the most important day is New Year’s Eve where the whole family gets together for supper. Some of the mandatory dishes are long noodles (symbolizing long life), whole chicken (representing a happy life) and pieces of pork, fish and other meats (signifying wealth and good fortune). For children the highlight of the day is when they receive “lucky money” in little red envelopes – the colour of good fortune of course.
The following days of the week are devoted to visiting friends and extended family. At the end of each day, individuals pay homage to their ancestors by placing food and fruits (in even numbers) beneath their pictures and by burning symbolic money and incense.
Another popular tradition is the lion dance. In the Chinese culture the lion is seen as a brave and noble creature that brings good fortune. The lion dances through buildings and streets to the beat of drums and gongs to scare off evil spirits and to bring prosperity in the New Year.
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We look forward to seeing you at the Blue Willow and hope that you enjoy all the tradition and euphoria that Chinese New Year has to offer.
Nov. 28, 2007 - Happy Holidays already? -
Now that the first snowfall has blanketed the city, we start to think about the upcoming holidays – already. But why should the holidays be stressful? The staff at the Blue Willow would like remind you that we’re here if you need us. Whether you’re planning an office party, going out with the family or simply escaping the holiday stress, let us do the cooking and the dishes! Call 48 hrs in advance to make reservations (428-0584). For larger parties, choose from our two party rooms that seat 18 and 40 people respectively. www.bluewillowrestaurant.com/parties.php.
Remember that this holiday season most restaurants will be short staffed and are doing the best they can to service all orders in a timely manner. If you don’t want to wait, come in on a weekday: Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday or avoid the dinner rush between 5:30-7:30pm.
If you’re unable to come in for supper, get a stocking-stuffer – a Blue Willow gift certificate! Gift certificates come in $10 and $25 denominations. Ask for Stan or Patrick to get you started. It’s not just dining out, it’s spending time with friends or family and a chance to relax to get away from it all.
The Holiday Season can be a hectic time of the year but eating out doesn’t have to be. We’ll provide the food and service, all you need to provide is the good company!
Happy Holidays from everyone at the Blue Willow!
Please note our holiday hours: Christmas Eve closed, Christmas Day closed, Boxing Day closed. New Year’s Eve open from 4-11pm (call for reservations well in advance), New Year’s Day open 4-9pm (call for reservations well in advance).
Nov. 7, 2007 - Rememberance Day -
Please note that on Sunday November 11, 2007 the restaurant will be closed for Rememberance Day.
Nov. 1, 2007 - The Rocky Mountain Wine And Food Festival -
Congratulations to Edward Tan, winner of our Dinner for 8 draw at the Rocky Mountain Wine and Food Festival! This was Blue Willow's first time at the festival and it was a busy one: large crowds, loads of tasty dishes and cases upon cases of savory drinks.
This year the Blue Willow featured for appetizers: both Pork and Vegetarian Spring Rolls and for dessert: Chocolate Ice Cream and Coconut Ice Cream with Mango Puree! If you missed us at the festival, you can still come in and indulge at the restaurant. We look forward to meeting you.